Is it OK to have SculpSure procedure 3 months after Smart Lipo?

Question

The doctor that performed my smart lipo wants to do sculptsure on some areas of my abdomen that seem to have a lot of fat left. I know not to have anymore lipo for 6 months after surgery to allow healing. Is this procedure ok or should I wait the entire 6 months before anything else is done? The doctor knows I am not satisfied with my results but I want to be safe. Thank you.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

Sculpsure is a noninvasive 1060nm diode laser treatment that removes up to 25% of stubborn fat in the treated area in 25 minutes.It is FDA approved for the abdomen and flanks. It is safe if you get pregnant in the future.
  
The body contouring effects are seen in as quick as six weeks with final results at 12 weeks. 
  
The results are permanent as long as you maintain your weight and health.
  
The laser targets and destroys the fat cells only which are then naturally removed from the body. Since the laser does not affect the skin or muscle it can be used on all skin colors and there has been no reported incidents of burns when treated by a properly trained physician. It is protective since it alternates heating and cooling. 
  
It has four applicators that can be customized to treat the areas of stubborn fat. 
  
If a second treatment is needed we wait at least six weeks and usually closer to 12. 
  
If you notice lumps after (which I've never seen) I would recommend massage. You should also alert your surgeon.  No compression garment required.
  
There is no downtime and you can resume your normal activities right after the treatment. There may be some soreness in the area for a few days for which you can take ibuprofen or tylenol. A cold compress can also be used.
  
Sculpsure is not used for skin tightening however some of our patients have seen this. If more skin tightening is needed we have combined this with thermi or Ulthera for a complete treatment. Sculpsure is recommended for stubborn areas of fat that are not being lost by diet and exercise. It is not a weight loss treatment
  
Since I have both a coolsculpting and sculpsure I am working on protocols of utilizing both of these depending upon what areas need to be treated and the response to the treatment. 
  
I have used sculpsure on other areas other than the abdomen with very good results. 
  
I also use a Vectra 3D imaging system to try and show people what their treatment areas could look like.
  
Since Sculpsure outcomes can be based on technique and experience, please see a board certified plastic surgeon that specializes body contouring to see if Sculpsure or other treatments are available to meet your goals. 
  
Take care,
  
Dr Schwartz 
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

I am sure it is safe, but the question is should you wait.  At only three months, it is too soon to see the final result of the Smartlipo and the tissues may still be somewhat firm or indurated or gradually softening. I would wait about six months and then proceed with a revision Smartlipo or SculpSure if you wish.

Robert M. Wald, Jr., MD · Answer

It is best to wait 6 months following liposuction. It takes at least this amount of time to see the final results. If after waiting and some fat remains, sculpture can be performed. Sometimes, repeat liposuction will be needed to obtain the best results.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Each patient has a unique healing process, so an in-person consultation would be the best way to determine your candidacy for SculpSure after Smart Lipo. You should also work with a board certified facial plastic surgeon who is experienced as a provider.  
Best wishes,

Dennis Gross, MD · Answer

It is best to wait about 3 months after lipo to begin your Sculpsure treatments. SculpSure is a 25 minute procedure that uses light-based technology to permanently destroy up to 24% of fat per treatment. Each treatment goes deeper into the fat layer for additive results. The laser uses heat at high temperatures to destroy fat. Most patients do not experience pain during the treatment, and if they do, applicators can be adjusted. You will begin to see initial results after 6 weeks, and full results by 12 weeks (this is the amount of time the body takes to eliminate the destroyed fat cells.)

Bruce E. Katz, MD · Answer

Thank for your question. It is absolutely fine to have SculpSure 3 months after lipo. SculpSure is a great alternate, non-invasive option. It is FDA- approved and highly effective in killing fat cells in unwanted areas with fat deposits. Always make sure you seek treatment from a board-certified dermatologist.

Jennifer Levine, MD · Answer

Yes, you can have a SculpSure treatment at 12 weeks after SmartLipo. You should not have additional lipo for 6 months as the body needs time to heal after a surgical procedure. SculpSure is a laser treatment that uses a wavelength specifically targeting and destroying fat cells, therefore it will not affect any surrounding tissue or organs. Good luck in your transformation!

Emily Sikking, MD · Answer

there is no clear literature on this issue but there are general recommendations that have reasonable foundation based on the techniques of treatment 
Sculpsure is intended to heat up the underlying fat cells to 42-47 degrees Celsius causing the fat cells to break apart and then your lymphatic system removes the dead tissue.  It seems based on its function that you would want yo get the most out if the treatment and to treat an area that is not fully healed is only decreasing your potential results with the sculpsure.  I would discuss with your physician whether you have fully healed from your prior procedure and if that is the assessment then by all means get the area treated.

Anna Avaliani, MD · Answer

Thank you for an excellent question.  I perform many treatments to even out irregularities or missed fat spots post Lipo or post CoolSculpting in my office. This is common and not unusual.  I would highly suggest to wait 6 months to completely heal. There is nothing wrong with 3 months, but I rather stay safe and conservative.  Hope you will achieve the result you were going for using this combo treatment.  Best of luck.  Best, Dr.Avaliani

Travis L. Shaw, MD · Answer

Dear lelstoneThats an excellent question. Certainly targeted fat destruction with Sculpsure after lipo is a great combination treatment. I think waiting a full 6 months to make certain all inflammation has resolved is likely the safest route to go. We have found that patients who have had previous procedures such as lipo, coolsculpting or surgical procedures in the treated areas do not get the same results as patients who have never had a procedure. After a procedure, the fat can sometimes be more fibrotic than virgin fat which seems to affect the interaction of the laser with fat. Patients do still get results, but it may take longer and require extra sessions. I wish you the best in your journeyDr S

Is it OK to have SculpSure procedure 3 months after Smart Lipo?

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